The Nedbank Cup has arrived and a feast of action-packed matches await! These Round of 32 matches are not to be missed, and they are sure to have some shocking results. Let us take a look at what this historic tournament has to offer.
Nedbank Cup Round of 32: Must-See Matches!
Tuesday, February 20th:
- La Masia vs Mamelodi Sundowns: David vs Goliath battle! Debutants La Masia, a name synonymous with Barcelona’s famed academy, take on four-time Nedbank Cup champions Sundowns. Sundowns boast an intimidating 17-0 record against lower league sides since 2008, but can La Masia, fueled by youthful exuberance and home advantage, create a historic upset?
- SuperSport United vs Cape Town City: Premiership clash! Third-placed SuperSport United, known for their possession-based attacking style, lock horns with second-placed City, renowned for their counter-attacking prowess. Both sides have faced off in major finals before, but City haven’t reached the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals yet. This encounter promises high stakes and tactical intrigue.
Wednesday, February 21st:
- Sekhukhune United vs Highlands Park: Fallen Giants Rise? Last year’s finalists Sekhukhune United, looking to build on their maiden success, face former topflight side Highlands Park. Now competing in the third tier, can fallen giants Highlands Park, known for their passionate supporters and fighting spirit, rise to the occasion and cause a major upset?
- University of Pretoria vs Cape Town Spurs: Final Heartache Redemption? Both teams have tasted Nedbank Cup final heartache – AmaTuks as runners-up in 2009 and Spurs (then Ajax Cape Town) losing in 2015. Struggling Spurs, under a new coach, seek redemption against AmaTuks’ consistent second-tier presence. This match promises a blend of experience and youthful ambition.
Thursday, February 22nd:
- AmaZulu vs Royal AM: Explosive KwaZulu-Natal Derby! AmaZulu, boasting six final appearances but remaining trophyless, take on Royal AM, semi-finalists in 2022. Expect a fiery atmosphere and intense battle for bragging rights and a place in the next round.
Friday, February 23rd:
- Lamontville Golden Arrows vs TS Galaxy: Can Arrows Overcome History? Golden Arrows face Galaxy, the only second-tier team to win the Nedbank Cup (2019). Head-to-head favors Galaxy, but both sides clash in the league five days earlier, adding spice to this encounter.
- Stellenbosch FC vs Pretoria Callies: Carling Knockout champions vs struggling Callies. Stellenbosch FC, known for their attractive passing game, welcome Callies, currently battling relegation in the second tier. Can Callies find form and upset the favorites in front of their home crowd?
Saturday, February 24th:
- Orlando Pirates vs SAFA Team: Defending Champs in Action! Defending champions Orlando Pirates face an unknown SAFA team. While the identity of the underdogs remains a mystery, they’ll be relishing the opportunity to cause a giant-killing against the Buccaneers on the iconic Mbombela Stadium pitch.
- FC Ravens vs Spain FC: Third-Tier Clash! Two ABC Motsepe League sides, Free State’s D’General and Limpopo’s Madridtas, clash in Vanderbijlpark. Both are Nedbank Cup debutants, ensuring at least two SAFA teams reach the Last 16. Expect passionate football and a fight for a historic opportunity.
- JDR Stars vs Hungry Lions: Lions Roar? Hungry Lions aim to extend their dominance over JDR Stars after a recent 2-1 league win. Their dominant head-to-head record suggests they’ll be favorites, but can Stars roar back on home soil and turn the tide?
- Platinum City Rovers vs Moroka Swallows: Unpredictable Swallows! Struggling Swallows, under a new coach and squad overhaul, face City Rovers in a potential banana skin. With unpredictable form and passionate supporters, Swallows could cause an upset against the confident second-tier side.
Sunday, February 25th:
- Maritzburg United vs Paarl United: Former Finalists vs Debutants! Former finalists Maritzburg United, now in the second tier, welcome newcomers Paarl United. While history favors Maritzburg, Paarl United’s unknown qualities and hunger to make their mark make this an exciting prospect.
- NC Professionals vs Chippa United: Upset Alert? Third-tier NC Professionals host 2021 finalists Chippa United in Upington. Chippa have stumbled against lower-league sides before, making this a potential upset waiting to happen. Can NC Professionals pull off a giant-killing on home soil?
- D’General vs Madridtas: SAFA Debutants Clash! Two ABC Motsepe League sides, Free State’s D’General and Limpopo’s Madridtas, clash in Vanderbijlpark. Both are Nedbank Cup debutants, making history by reaching this stage. This match promises passionate football and a display of raw talent, as each team fights for a historic opportunity to reach the last 16.
- Kaizer Chiefs vs Milford FC: Can Chiefs Avoid Upset? Amakhosi face second-tier Milford FC, hoping to avoid being another topflight scalp for the underdogs. Chiefs hold the unwanted record of most topflight exits to lower-league sides since 2008. However, with a new season and renewed determination, Amakhosi aim to avoid an upset against the spirited Milford FC, last seen in the competition as amateurs in 2016.
- Mark your calendars, choose your teams, and get ready for an unforgettable Nedbank Cup experience! Witness exciting football, passionate rivalries, and the potential for giant-killing upsets as these teams vie for a place in the next round. The magic of the cup awaits!
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